Juan Carlos Sánchez Returns to Lead Real Madrid Basketball as Sergio Rodríguez Prepares to Exit
Juan Carlos Sánchez is set to return as director of the Real Madrid basketball section, reclaiming the leadership role he held for over fifteen years. This move marks a significant shift in the club’s organizational structure, reversing the decision made last summer to replace him with Sergio Rodríguez and Paco Robles following a season that ended without titles and a quarter-final elimination in the ACB playoffs against La Laguna Tenerife.
Did You Know? Juan Carlos Sánchez previously served as the director of the basketball section for more than fifteen years before the club initiated a change in its management structure last summer.
Why this leadership change matters
The return of Sánchez represents a reversal of the project initiated by Sergio Rodríguez, known as “El Chacho.” Rodríguez was brought in last summer with a mandate to address long-standing organizational deficiencies, supported by a team including Paco Robles in operations and Martynas Pocius in the technical secretariat. According to reports, this change effectively halts the development of the current management structure before it reached maturity.

Expert Insight: The transition highlights a recurring pattern of organizational instability within the club’s basketball operations. By reinstating a former director who previously oversaw the hiring of coach Scariolo, the club indicates a return to established leadership, creating a direct conflict with the incoming vision that sought to modernize the section’s management.
What happens next for the coaching staff and management
The immediate consequence of this appointment is the likely departure of Sergio Rodríguez. Reports indicate that Rodríguez has already informed club president Florentino Pérez that he cannot work under Sánchez due to a personal fracture that transcends professional disagreements. Consequently, the former point guard is expected to exit the club.
The future of other staff members, including Paco Robles and Martynas Pocius, remains uncertain, with expectations that both may vacate their roles in the coming weeks. Amidst this restructuring, Felipe Reyes is expected to assume a greater number of functions within the new organizational hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will lead the basketball section under the new structure?
Juan Carlos Sánchez is returning to the position of director, a role he held for over fifteen years prior to last summer.

Why is Sergio Rodríguez expected to leave the club?
Rodríguez has communicated to Florentino Pérez that he is unwilling to continue his role if he must work under the authority of Juan Carlos Sánchez due to personal differences.
What is the status of other management team members?
Paco Robles and Martynas Pocius are likely to leave their positions in the near future, while Felipe Reyes is expected to take on additional responsibilities.
How do you think this change in leadership will impact the team’s performance on the court next season?